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Neck and Back Pain Specialist
on Long Island

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CONDITIONS TREATED

Brian J. McHugh, M.D.

Board-Certified Neurological Surgeon

Brian J. McHugh, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board certified neurosurgeon focusing on all aspects of spinal surgery. He has fellowship training in minimally invasive spine surgery, spinal oncology, and Scoliosis surgery in both children and adults. After completing his MD at Georgetown University and his neurosurgery residency at Yale University, Dr. McHugh was the John Cobb Fellow in Adult and Pediatric Scoliosis at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Dr. McHugh then went on to practice in the Washington DC area, where he served as Chief of Neurosurgery at the INOVA Alexandria hospital and as an Associate Professor at the VCU School of Medicine.

In 2019 Dr. McHugh relocated with his family to Long Island and established a private practice focused on Complex Spine. Dr. McHugh is currently the Director of the Spine Center at Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, NY and Section Chief of Neurosurgery at St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage, NY. Under his leadership, Dr. McHugh will spearhead the continued development and expansion of neurosurgical services at both hospitals, ensuring that patients have access to advanced neurosurgical care close to home. Dr. McHugh lives in Cold Spring Harbor with his wife and three children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. MCHUGH

Patient Success Stories

Siglinde – Spinal Deformity

This is Siglinde’s story – from limited function to life renewed.

Chris – Back Pain Relief

Listen to Chris’s story and how Dr. McHugh was able to help him on his journey.

Joy – Back Pain Relief

Listen to Joy’s story and how Dr. McHugh was able to help her on her journey.

THE HOUSE CALL WITH DR. BRIAN MCHUGH

VIEW OUR PODCAST

Personalized Spine Care That Moves You Forward

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S.S. on Google

“My husband had surgery with Dr. McHugh in November. He had a very complicated 8 level fusion and Dr. McHugh took away pain and limitations he has been living with for years. The revision surgery from a 20 year old fusion has had results my husband is thrilled with. Thank you to the whole team for unparalleled care!”

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C.A. on Facebook

“Dr. McHugh is an amazing surgeon and a complete gentleman. He Performed my lumbar spinal fusion surgery. I highly recommend him. He listens and cares about his patients.”

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T.G. on Google

“Dr. McHugh is absolutely amazing. I am 44 years old and had Spinal Fusion Surgery from T6-Pelvic with Dr. McHugh in December of 2025. The surgery went great and my recovery is going just as great. I am so thankful to Dr. McHugh!”

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Olivia M.

“I had my first ever surgery with Dr. McHugh and he made me feel so calm and comfortable. His personality is great and I always enjoy seeing him. I healed so well with no issues and feel better than ever. Thank you Dr. McHugh!!!!!”

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V.B. on Facebook

“It’s been 3 months since my spinal fusion surgery and I feel so amazing right now. I recommend Dr. Brian McHugh to anybody who needs specialized care for their own spinal issues. He’s an amazing man 😇”

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M.C. on Google

“The surgery to my lower back was a success. Dr.Brian McHugh is an excellent surgeon with blessed hands and pays special attention to each patient, a truly example of a person that I would trust to work on any of my love ones. We are very fortunate to have such an eminence in our lives and in our community. God bless all.”

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Timothy P.

“Dr. McHugh is literally the best! He fixed my back and cured my leg pain. You hear about surgeons having bad bedside manner but not Dr. McHugh. He explains everything thoroughly, he's kind, funny, down-to-earth and such an extraordinary surgeon. Honestly if you aren’t using him as your surgeon then you’re making the wrong decision. THIS GUY IS THE BEST. If I have any other issues, this will be the first stop I’ll make. Thanks again, Dr. McHugh, keep being extraordinary!!!!”

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Anna S.

“Dr. McHugh spent a great deal of time with my daughter and I discussing her condition. I found him very professional and he pointed out possibilities that had not been discussed previously. Overall, the appointment went really well.”

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Jill R.

“Dr. McHugh is a rare find in today’s in-and-out medical visits. Had a 40 minute appointment. He spent time showing me my x-rays. For the first time I understood what my fractures really, looked like.”

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Pete G.

“Getting an appointment was quick and easy. The ladies I spoke with were all very professional, friendly, and helpful, whether it was a phone call or in-person visits.”

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Erika J.

“Dr. McHugh was really clear about my situation. The people at his office are friendly and the place is very nice and clean.”

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Mary Ellen S.

“The staff was very helpful & friendly. Dr. McHugh listened to what I had to say about my respective issues. His office then called, I made my appointments—it could not have gone any smoother than it did.”

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Top rated Pain relief

Treating adults and children

Dr. Brian McHugh is widely considered a global expert in the latest minimally invasive spine surgery techniques. However, his primary goal is to treat all spinal conditions and problems with non-invasive treatments, such as medications, braces, physical therapy, and epidural injections, so he only recommends surgical options when all other treatments fail.

Dr. Brian McHugh and his exceptionally-skilled staff utilize, recommend, initiate a wide range of diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of all your spinal problems. He administers x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, blood tests, and other advanced tests to curate a holistic treatment plan that addresses all your immediate symptoms and the underlying condition responsible for them.

Even though back pain and neck pain are common problems, they can disrupt your entire life. Dr. McHugh’s considered and careful approach ensures long-term relief, allowing you to resume your daily activities and lifestyle without lingering symptoms. Contact us at McHugh Neurosurgery on Long Island to start your journey to a pain-free life.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Affiliates:

Conditions We Treat

  • Back Pain.
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Inflammation of the nerve roots.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease: The gradual breakdown or degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
  • Herniated Disc: A fragment of the disc’s gelatinous core pushes through the outer shell.
  • Kyphosis: Excessive rounding of the upper back leading to a “hunchback” appearance.
  • Neck Pain.
  • Sciatica: pain Radiating along the sciatic nerve, i.e., from the lower back to the feet.
  • Spinal Tumor: An abnormal growth of tissues in or around the spinal column.
  • Vertebral Compression Fractures: The collapse of the bones in the spine.
  • Spondylolisthesis: One of the vertebrae in the lumbar spine slips out of place, sliding over the bone underneath.
  • Spondylosis: Arthritis of the discs and joints caused by excessive wear and tear of the spine.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spaces within the spine, leading to nerve compression.
  • Lumbar Facet Cyst: The formation of cysts in the facet joints of the lumbar spine.
  • Adult Degenerative Scoliosis: Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine due to underlying degenerative problems.
  • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine in adolescents without an identifiable root cause.

The ultimate touchstone of medicine is witness. The privilege of having been seen by someone and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another. To have walked with them and to have believed in them and sometimes just to have accompanied them for however brief a span on a journey impossible to accomplish alone.

DAVID WHYTE

Scoliosis Surgery

Scoliosis is a condition leading to the abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spinal column. Scoliosis surgery refers to minimally invasive treatment options that prevent the spinal curvature from worsening while also correctly the spinal deformity. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, the procedure may involve bone grafting materials and surgical implants to stabilize the spinal column, restoring optimal spinal alignment.

MORE ON SCOLIOSIS SURGERY
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artificial disc used for neurosurgery on Long Island

Disc Replacement Surgery

Disc replacement surgery is the ideal alternative to traditional spinal fusion procedures. The surgeon removes the damaged or herniated disc, replacing it with a cutting-edge, artificial disc that restores optimal functionality and relieves back pain. Dr. Brian McHugh performs disc replacement with Mobi-C, currently one of the world’s most reputable and effective cervical discs. Disc replacement eliminates the need for bone chiseling, keels, screws, cages, and other such instruments.

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Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. McHugh is one of the most exceptional neurological surgeons specializing in minimally invasive spine surgery. With minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. McHugh can access the spinal column via small incisions, resulting in no muscle disruption, minimal pain, negligible risk of complications, and limited recovery time. Minimally invasive surgeries also involve using advanced navigation techniques to ensure optimal accuracy and surgical outcomes.

Robotic Spinal Surgery

Robotic spinal surgery is a cutting-edge procedure that’s revolutionizing how spinal surgeries are performed. Dr. Brian McHugh is at the forefront of the robotic spine surgery movement, leveraging advanced robotic technologies to perform surgeries with far greater precision than traditional surgeries. Robotic spinal surgeries necessitate smaller incisions, limited radiation exposure, and they lead to faster recovery. Come to us for the best in Long Island neurosurgery.

Proven surgeon for all ages, experience that gets results.

Dr. Brian McHugh is one of the best board-certified neurological surgeons on Long Island, New York. He has specialized training in the latest minimally invasive spine surgeries, including robotic surgeries. He has treated hundreds of children and adults with routine pathologies and complex spinal problems.

Dr. Brian McHugh patiently diagnoses the root cause of all his patients’ spinal problems to curate conservative treatment plans that specifically address their unique concerns. Furthermore, he exhausts all non-invasive treatment options before recommending minimally invasive spine surgeries.

The Neck: A Surgical Perspective

Adult Scoliosis

Insurance Information

Insurance companies we work with

Dr. Brian McHugh works with all major insurance companies. We have a dedicated patient liaison (PAL) to help navigate through questions such as high deductibles, co-insurances, out of network pocket costs. Our PAL is experienced in working with your plans benefits. For more information, please contact our office at 631-780-4470 with your insurance questions and to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape.

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skilled, compassionate & advanced, we are here to guide you through neurosurgery

one of the best neurological surgeons in New York

Besides his sterling reputation, educational background, and experience, Dr. McHugh is a Long Island neurosurgeon who is also warm, compassionate, and patient. His skills, charisma, compassionate attitude, and experience contribute to his reputation as one of the best neurological surgeons in New York.

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